Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who expressed support for the new Bulgarian government and offered his congratulations on its clear Euro-Atlantic orientation.

Mariya Gabriel outlined, as the government’s priorities, Bulgaria’s active role in the EU and NATO, and the European perspective of the Western Balkans in compliance with the commitments negotiated. Bulgaria’s joining the US Visa Waiver Programme was also discussed as a priority. Mariya Gabriel thanked the US Secretary of State for setting the date of the second session of the Bulgaria-US strategic dialogue, which will take place on 25 September in Washington. Bulgaria’s deputy prime minister expects specific steps to be outlined then for deepening cooperation in spheres of common interest, such as security and defence, energy diversification, innovations and the fight against disinformation, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry has announced.

“Look forward to partnering with Bulgaria to support Ukraine, pursue further energy diversification, and promote regional prosperity through EU enlargement,” the US Secretary of State wrote on Twitter.

Mariya Gabriel and Antony Blinken stated their appreciation of how important it is to support Ukraine, and welcomed the visit to Sofia by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.